The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Monday reviewed the security situation in the country in the wake of the Saturday’s Pune blast that killed nine people. It is learnt to have discussed the agenda relating to the coming Foreign Secretary level talks with Pakistan too.
At the meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Pune blast and all aspects arising out of it were discussed. Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram made a detailed presentation.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai. “I briefed the CCS on the Pune blast,” Mr. Chidambaram said after the hour-long meeting.
It is learnt that the Prime Minister said at the meeting that any hint of the Pune blast being masterminded from across the border could be discussed when the Foreign Secretaries meet here on February 25.
Sporting events
The Home Ministry has decided to review the security arrangements for four coming major sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Shooting Championship, to be held here between February 17 and 28; the World Cup Hockey from February 28 to March 13; the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches from March 13 to April 25; and the Commonwealth Games (between October 3 and 14) are the events.
Informed sources said the concern was over world hockey championship as any terror incident in the run-up to the event might send wrong signals.
Elaborate arrangement
Home Secretary Pillai said the government had put in place an elaborate arrangement for the tournament.
“We are in close touch with security liaison officers of all countries that are coming here to participate. So far, all of them have seen the preparations done by the Delhi Police and the Home Ministry and they are quite satisfied,” he said.
The Hockey World Cup will have the participation by 10 countries and around 400 players and delegates.
The Commonwealth Shooting Championship will see the arrival of 1,000 athletes and officials from 30 countries.
